What Are The Advantages Of Being A Stay-at-home Parent? 

One of the significant decisions parents have to make is whether they prefer to work full-time from office or become stay-at-home parents, which can be pretty scary. Your goals, objectives, parenting philosophy and resources can help you decide if being a stay-at-home parent is right for you. However, there are a lot of things to consider: while you will oversee your child's development and early education, everything from your family dynamics to your income, free time, and social circumstances will change.

One of the many challenges parents face today is how to best juggle the commitments of work and taking care of their children. One option is to become a stay-at-home parent with the resources. However, it is not an opportunity everyone can afford. It may be difficult for single parents or those parents who rely on both incomes to run their households. While for some parents, it can be an appealing choice.

Becoming a stay-at-home parent can spark an array of circumstances. While some parents may have always dreamt about it, others choose to put their careers on hold to be hands-on with their children during their early years. Some find that one parent staying at home outweighs increasing childcare costs. However, in some cases, layoffs, school closures and other problems might have forced some parents into the role. It is a major transitional decision, no matter how or why you might be thinking about becoming a stay-at-home parent. It comes with its fair share of benefits and challenges.

How Are Common Stay-at-home Parents?

According to research, about one in five parents are stay-at-home parents. Most parents work outside the home, whether it's by personal preference or because of their financial condition. Some studies also concluded that more and more dads have opted to stay home in recent years. At the same time, the number of stay-at-home mothers remained steady. According to research, the number of stay-at-home dads rose from 10 to 17 per cent in the past few years.

Also, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the makeup of stay-at-home parents over the past couple of years. According to a survey, 20 per cent of moms had voluntarily left the workforce due to health problems or to manage childcare, while another 23 per cent had been released or had their hours reduced. It is hard to tell how these numbers will impact stay-at-home parents' rates in the long term, while the current impact can't be ignored.

What Are The Benefits Of Being A Stay-at-home Parent?

Being with your children throughout the day and taking care of their requirements gives you immense satisfaction. It makes you feel proud when they grow up healthy. Some of the few stay-at-home parents advantages are as follows:

• You have a flexible schedule

A great reason to be a stay-at-home parent is that you will have a fixed routine. Being flexible in your day-to-day life can make everything a bit easier when you become a parent. However, there will be times when your child doesn't feel good or you're having a rough day, and you will have to change specific plans. It is essential to roll with the punches and do what's best at the moment. Additionally, making doctor appointments and planning activities is a cakewalk when you stay home with your child. Also, there will be no more checking with your partner or work plan to see who or when you can take your child for a check-up.

• You won't miss any milestones

You won't miss any of your child's milestones; this is one of the best things about being a stay-at-home parent. You will be there when your child expresses their first genuine smile, say their first words, or takes their first step. Watching them grow without missing any details right through the first year of their life is fantastic.

• Your child gets undivided attention

Your child will still get your full attention every day, even when there are times when you have to do chores around the house or take time for yourself. You can always stop doing what you're doing and go to them if your child needs you. Not to mention, the love you shower on your child's care is immeasurable compared to a daycare or a nanny. You will also have many opportunities to bond with your child.

• It can be more affordable

You might find that staying home with your child and going to one income might be reasonable and cheaper or about the same as working full time and paying for a daycare or a nanny when you sit down and go over your budget. You will conserve money on many other things by staying home on top of not having to spend on daycare. For example, when you don't have to travel to work every day, you can save money on gas, and if you eat lunch out during a workday, you will save even more by eating at home.

• You will be stress-free

You don't have to worry about a high-stress job or work with stressful or dramatic people when you are a stay-at-home parent. However, not every day as a stay-at-home parent is like a walk in the park. There will be days when you are sleep deprived or dealing with tantrums. Nevertheless, the good days massively outweigh the bad days.

• It is not a career-ender

Many of you are worried about leaving your job and think the hard work you've put in to get where you are in your career will end. However, know that this difference doesn't have to be permanent. You can remain home with your child until they are preschool age or until they get into kindergarten. Besides, your knowledge and credentials don't just disappear for however many years after being a stay-at-home parent. Whenever you feel necessary, you can always get back out there.

• It is gratifying and rewarding

One of the top reasons to be a stay-at-home parent is that it is one of the most gratifying things. It will make your heart happy knowing that your child is getting exceptional care only you can provide them and watching them thrive. You will also be taking care of the household along with taking care of your child. Of course, not every chore in the house is your responsibility; your partner may still need to help with some things. And lastly, having more time to focus on making healthy family meals feels rewarding.

• You are their first teacher

Another most rewarding reason to stay a home parent is that you are your child's first teacher. Not only will you be teaching them things like counting or the alphabet, but you will also teach them values and other life skills.

• You can discipline your child

Consistency is crucial when teaching your child discipline. If you are primarily with your child, you can ensure that your child is punished according to your standards daily. Your child will start to pick up your rules and boundaries if you are consistent in your discipline.

• No hectic mornings

Your morning can be relatively calm, which is another reason to be a stay-at-home parent. For example, many people complain about how miserable their morning was trying to get their child ready for daycare. There are no such issues when you are a stay-at-home parent. However, not every morning is calm.

• Easy to create a routine that your child can prosper on

Another great benefit of being a stay-at-home parent is that you can make the perfect schedule for them. Especially when they are young, many children thrive on routines. Staying at home with your child will ensure that you can stick to their way most days of the week.

• You know what your child is exposed to each day

These days, it appears like everything is trying to rush kids into growing up. It is essential to know what your child is exposed to, with social media targeting kids more and more frequently. You can also ensure that the shows or movies they watch are age appropriate. Also, you will get many other screen-free activities throughout the day.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Being A Stay-at-home Parent?

If you think being a stay-at-home parent is easy, then let's tell you it is not because you have to face the child's tantrums throughout the day. Some other stay-at-home parents disadvantages are as follows:

• A sense of loss of identity

You might sometimes feel that your only job is taking care of your child and nothing else. Moreover, your contribution to the family mostly goes unrecognised as your partner and other family members might feel that you are relaxing by staying at home.

• You may feel isolated

During the initial days after childbirth, you can feel daunted. You may also feel isolated since you hardly have time to come out, talk to people or know what's happening in your surroundings.

• Life becomes boring

Sometimes routine gets boring, and you might also feel that your life is mechanical. Also, sometimes regular household chores can get monotonous.

• You are physically exhausted

Even when you have a support system, taking care of a child can be tiring. It can leave you drained by the end of the day. You may also feel physically and mentally overwhelmed, and all you prefer to do is sleep.

• You have no 'me-time'

Contrary to the general belief, stay-at-home parents hardly have any time to spend on themselves. Since your day begins and ends with the child and other domestic chores, you may feel trapped in the role as you don't have personal space.

• There is no time for hobbies

Although you may not have a career, taking up a hobby or doing something constructive can leave you with no time or energy for it.

• You are financially dependent on your partner

Being a stay-at-home parent can make you financially dependent on your partner for all your expenses. Also, you will have to manage your costs on a single income.

• You may miss your job

Having worked before, the modification in your lifestyle can be very depressing. You may miss returning to work, receiving a paycheck, and interacting with co-workers.

• Missing work and learning time

You may also feel like you are falling behind others and less updated once you resume work.

• Can cause conflicts with your partner

Since your partner may have no idea about what you are doing throughout the day, it may seem easy for them. However, the truth is different, and the lack of understanding may cause conflicts.

• No downtime

Since it is a 24/7 job, you don't get any breaks, vacations or leaves. Furthermore, you don't have the luxury of sleeping late, waking up late, or going to movies or restaurants.

Tips For Being A Successful Stay-at-home Parent?

• Plan a schedule

Maintaining a program helps you take a break between chores. To utilise your time efficiently, set a routine of activities, household chores and your child. Also, take some time off for contingencies. It benefits by helping your child get used to 'order' in daily life. Also, it encourages you to be organised and saves time.

• Connect with other Stay-at-home Parents

You learn from each other's experiences when you interact with other parents sailing in the same boat. Also, you get support from them, and your children can play with each other. It benefits you and your child by allowing you to socialise and improve your parenting and social skills.

• Don't try to be perfect

Although nobody is perfect, there is always room for improvement. Do what you can for the child without getting overwhelmed about being the best parent. And being good is always more important than being perfect. It benefits by reducing the undue stress of being 'perfect' and helps your child perform without pressure.

• Help from family and friends

There is nothing wrong with seeking help from extended family and friends. Give yourself a break and take any assistance that is offered. Since you need some 'me-time' too, you can go to a movie or spa or hang out with friends. It benefits you since taking small breaks can help you energise and refresh. It also helps the child to get used to staying away from you.

• Employ a babysitter

You can plan your day and your baby's activities by employing a babysitter or a nanny if you have the budget. It benefits the baby by socialising with others, and they will get used to being away from you.

• Join some hobby classes

Allocate some time for your hobbies when preparing a routine. You can enrol in various courses such as theatre, cooking, dance or other activities. Take up something that encourages you to step out of the house. It helps by keeping your mind active and also enhances your self-esteem.

• Value yourself

You don't have to feel hindered when you don't get a paycheck. Don't feel inferior to others since you are doing the most valuable job in the world. Being a parent is priceless; always stay positive and pat yourself for a job well done. It benefits by making the journey of parenting fun, rewarding and exciting.

How To Make Money As A Stay-at-home Parent?

If you want to be a stay-at-home parent without compromising on your finances, here are some tips to help them achieve it:

• Be good with money management

• You can save on taxes and tariffs

• You can skip daycare expenditures

• You can cut down on diapers and formula

• You can cook fresh homemade food

• Transportation and fuel costs can be reduced

• Find a part-time job or self-employment

Are There Any Jobs For Stay-at-home Parents?

Fortunately, various freelance and part-time jobs are remote, so there are plenty of opportunities to find new work you can do from the comfort of your home. You can search for part-time jobs on career sites to see what's out there and what might potentially work for your skill set, level of expertise, and available hours. Some potential stay-at-home parents' jobs include after-school and online tutoring, editing and content writing, website development and design, bookkeeping and accounting.

Sometimes, remote and part-time job opportunities even permit you to set your hours, which can be convenient for a stay-at-home parent. However, ensure you're taking time to figure out a plan and workload that helps you take care of yourself and your children while avoiding burnout. However, if you decide to take on a part-time job and that's something that you want to do, make sure to communicate with your partner and ask for help from family and friends so that you can feel supported.

Conclusion

Being a stay-at-home parent needs a lot of hard work, often more than a full-time job requires. Since the role can occasionally feel selfless, it is also essential to prioritize time for yourself, so you don't feel resentful. Also, a stay-at-home parent prefers to stay home to take care of the family, and it is a full-time responsibility with no fixed timing, off days or retirement. So it is essential to consider the pros and cons before deciding on becoming a stay-at-home parent.

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